SASSA: May 2024 child support grant requirements

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about securing a May 2024 SASSA child support grant. Often overlooked compared to SASSA Older Persons grants because the elderly are considered more vulnerable, child support plays a hugely important role in Mzansi.

In fact, even UNICEF recently acknowledged it as an ‘important instrument of social protection in South Africa.’ So, what are the requirements for a May 2024 SASSA child support grant? And how can you apply?

MAY 2024 SASSA CHILD SUPPORT GRANT

Disbursed by the South African Social Security Agency, a May 2024 SASSA child support grant will go to more than 13-million households with needy children. According to the WesternCape.gov website, a SASSA child support grant is aimed at lower-income households to assist with covering the basic needs of a child/children. Therefore, the government grant isn’t meant to replace all other income but instead act as a lifeline amidst Mzansi’s ever-rising cost of living.

Eskom electricity tariffs increased by 12.8% this month and municipal rates and taxes will follow suit in July 2024. This means the meagre 4.8% increase for SASSA grants this year will have little to no effect in the greater scheme of things for Mzansi.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SASSA CHILD SUPPORT?

Any parent, grandparent or primary caregiver for a child may qualify for a May 2024 SASSA child support grant. And you will need to be able to prove the following to qualify:

• That you are a South African citizen and/or have permanent residency.
• You do not earn more than R52 800 a year (R4 400 a month) if single. Or above R105 600 a year (R8 800 a month) if married.
• You must fill in an affidavit from a police official Commissioner of Oaths that you are the biological parent.
• Produce a report from a social worker or a letter from the principal of the child’s school saying you are the child’s primary caregiver.

THE CHILD MUST BE …

• Under 18 years old.
• Not be in a state-run institution.
• Live with the primary caregiver.
• And caregivers can’t get child support for more than six children.

REASONS FOR EXCLUSION

• You may not be employed to look after the child (nanny, au pair, etc).
• If you are found not to be the child’s primary caregiver.
• A grant is already being paid on behalf of that child.
• You work for an institution that takes care of children.
• You exceed the stipulated income threshold and therefore don’t qualify.

WHAT AND WHEN IS THE NEXT PAYMENT DUE?

The amount increased this month, so the May 2024 SASSA child support grant will pay out R530. This will next take place on Tuesday 7 May 2024. If you meet all of the above criteria, you can apply for child support grant by filling in an application form at your nearest SASSA branch office. The good news is the application is free. Just make sure to provide the following documents to a SASSA official:

• South African ID document (ID).
• Child’s birth certificate (with an ID number).
• Salary slip.
• Three months bank statements and/or any other proof of income.
• Your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) card or a discharge certificate from your previous employer (if applicable).
• Proof that you are the child’s primary caregiver.
• If you’re not the child’s parent/guardian, a written note of permission from the parent or guardian that you should take care of the child.
• If you’re not the child’s parent/guardian, information about how you’ve tried to get the parents to pay maintenance.

The May 2024 SASSA child support grant can be paid out in cash on specific days at a pay point, or electronically into your bank account. Don’t forget that normal bank charges apply to any money going in and out of your bank account. You can decide to change the payment method at any time by filling in a form at a SASSA branch.

PAYMENTS WILL CEASE IF …

• The child dies.
• When the child turns 18.
• If grants go unclaimed for three consecutive months.
• If the child leaves the country.
• The child is admitted to a state institution.
• Also note that the SASSA child support grant will be reviewed from time to time to check all of the above.

ALSO READ: SASSA: What are the requirements for the May 2024 old-age grant?